Pacific Symphony, Classical Newb: 1812 Overture and the U.S.

Classical Newb: 1812 Overture and the U.S. »

* The 1812 overture is played in the U.S. during the fireworks display in the 4th of July

* It was written by Tchaikovsky, a Russian, to celebrate the Russian defeat of Napoleon.

* The Marseillaise, which is played during the overture, wasn’t the national anthem of France during the invasion. It wasn’t the anthem until 1879.

* It was first played in the U.S. at the dedication of Carnegie Hall in 1891 with Tchaikovsky conducting.

* Many Americans believe that it has to do with the US. 1812 war. It doesn’t.

* Tchaikovsky may have never heard it as it was written

We were just working on tweets for our upcoming Tweetcert this summer and prepared something very similar to this.